HC-One, the UK’s leading care provider, has announced the launch of its Nursing Preceptorship Programme, designed to support and develop new members of their Nursing community, whilst also seeking to increase recruitment and retention of Nurses at a time of sector-wide shortages, ultimately leading to enhanced outcomes for residents.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which regulates Nurses and Nursing Associates in the UK, advocates a period of Preceptorship for newly qualified nurses, and those registering in the UK for the first time.
HC-One’s Preceptorship Programme has been designed by HC-One’s senior nursing team, in line with the NMC's Principles of Preceptorship, the NHS Gold Standard Framework for Preceptorship and Scotland’s Flying Start Programme.
The programme will support the following Nurses to develop the skills and confidence to enjoy a rewarding career in the care sector:
• Newly Registered Nurses (within first year of graduating), Allied Health Professionals (AHP).
• International Nurses, newly registered with UK NMC.
• Registered Nursing Associates.
• Nurses or AHPs returning to practice after a break of 12 months +.
• Nurses or AHPs requiring support or specific development, e.g., during a period of restorative practice.
• Newly promoted HC-One Nurses e.g., Nurse to Clinical Lead.
• Nurses transitioning from a different sector.
HC-One’s Preceptors will include experienced Nurses working in care homes and regional teams who will have the rewarding opportunity to work closely with and guide Preceptees in their career journey at HC-One.
The Preceptorship Programme takes an individualised approach to support each Preceptee and there is no set timeline for the programme. However, HC-One expect most newly qualified and newly registered Nurses and Nursing Associates to complete their Preceptorship within 6-12 months.
Preceptees will work through an Individual Learning Plan with their Preceptor to develop skills, confidence and improve their practice. Before becoming a Nurse in charge of a shift, Preceptees will work with their Preceptor to sign off on clinical and leadership competencies.
HC-One has a robust support network of experienced Nurses, including HC-One’s on call system where a more Senior Nurse is available 24/7 to provide advice or support to new Nurses on shift. Following Preceptorship, Nurses continue to be supported by HC-One’s award-winning Learning and Development team.
As well as ensuring Nurse Preceptees receive the best possible support as they transition into their role at HC-One, the Preceptorship Programme will support HC-One in opening up new talent pools, growing their own Nurses, and boosting recruitment and retention in their Nursing community. This is supported by Newly Qualified Nurses having the opportunity to benefit from competitive starting salaries, and a variety of career pathways. HC-One is also proud to offer non-registered care colleagues the opportunity to gain a NMC Registered Nursing Associate (RNA) qualification via the apprenticeship route, with a further opportunity to complete a top-up apprenticeship to become an NMC Registered Nurse.
Sharon Burlace, Head of Nursing at HC-One said:
“Nurses play a pivotal role in social care, and we want to do as much as we can to support our Nurses, and we also encourage people to consider a nursing career in social care.
“We’re very excited to be launching our Preceptorship Programme which will make a real difference to the experience of both our Nurses and our residents.”
Interested in joining the Nursing team at HC-One? To find a role in your local HC-One care home, please visit our careers site here.